Corn head adjustment system with integrated actuation

ABSTRACT

A corn head corn head includes a first wing segment and a center segment. A corn head adjustment system includes a first fold actuator; a first deck plate actuator mounted on at least one of the first wing segment frame or the center frame and configured to reposition at least one of the first deck plate rod or the center deck plate rod; and corn head hydraulics. During a fold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to fold the first wing segment relative to the center segment and to actuate the first deck plate actuator in order to decouple the first deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod. During an unfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to unfold the first wing segment relative to the center segment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a nonprovisional application of, and claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/040,263, filed Jun. 17, 2020and incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a corn head adjustment system for anagricultural operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Effective and efficient agricultural operation may involve largeimplements to process multiple rows at a time. One example is a cornhead that operates to harvest eight, twelve, or even more rows during asingle pass. Some corn heads may be folded to facilitate transport andstorage. However, accommodating and implementing the fold and unfoldprocesses may be challenging.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure provides a corn head adjustment system.

In one aspect, a corn head configured to be mounted on an agriculturalmachine is provided. The corn head includes a first wing segmentincluding a first wing segment frame; a first deck plate rod mounted tothe first wing segment frame; and a first series of deck plates, atleast a portion of which are repositionable upon lateral movement offirst deck plate rod. The corn head further includes a center segmentarranged proximate to the first wing segment, the center segmentincluding a center frame; a center deck plate rod mounted to the centerframe; and a second series of deck plates, at least a portion of whichare repositionable upon lateral movement of center deck plate rod. Thecorn head also includes a corn head adjustment system with a first foldactuator extending between the first wing segment frame and the centerframe; a first deck plate actuator mounted on at least one of the firstwing segment frame or the center frame and configured to reposition atleast one of the first deck plate rod or the center deck plate rod; andcorn head hydraulics fluidly coupled to receive a fluid from a sourceand to direct the fluid to selectively actuate the first fold actuatorin order to fold the first wing segment relative to the center segment,to selectively actuate the first fold actuator in order to unfold thefirst wing segment relative to the center segment, to selectivelyactuate the first deck plate actuator in order to decouple the firstdeck plate rod from the center deck plate rod, and to selectivelyactuate the first deck plate actuator in order to couple the first deckplate rod to the center deck plate rod. During a fold process, the cornhead hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator inorder to fold the first wing segment relative to the center segment andto actuate the first deck plate actuator in order to decouple the firstdeck plate rod from the center deck plate rod. During an unfold process,the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first foldactuator in order to unfold the first wing segment relative to thecenter segment.

In another aspect, a corn head adjustment system is provided for a cornhead with a first wing segment and a center segment arranged proximateto the first wing segment; the first wing segment including a first wingsegment frame, a first deck plate rod mounted to the first wing segmentframe, and a first series of deck plates, at least a portion of whichare repositionable upon lateral movement of first deck plate rod; andthe center segment including a center frame, a center deck plate rodmounted to the center frame, and a second series of deck plates, atleast a portion of which are repositionable upon lateral movement ofcenter deck plate rod. The corn head adjustment system includes a firstfold actuator extending between the first wing segment frame and thecenter frame; a first deck plate actuator mounted on at least one of thefirst wing segment frame or the center frame and configured toreposition at least one of the first deck plate rod or the center deckplate rod; and corn head hydraulics fluidly coupled to receive a fluidfrom a source and to direct the fluid to selectively actuate the firstfold actuator in order to fold the first wing segment relative to thecenter segment, to selectively actuate the first fold actuator in orderto unfold the first wing segment relative to the center segment, toselectively actuate the first deck plate actuator in order to decouplethe first deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod, and toselectively actuate the first deck plate actuator in order to couple thefirst deck plate rod to the center deck plate rod. During a foldprocess, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the firstfold actuator in order to fold the first wing segment relative to thecenter segment and to actuate the first deck plate actuator in order todecouple the first deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod. Duringan unfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate thefirst fold actuator in order to unfold the first wing segment relativeto the center segment.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbecome apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an agricultural machine with a corn head in anunfolded position according to an example;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an agricultural machine with the corn head ina partially folded position according to an example;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the agricultural machine with the cornhead in a folded position according to an example;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a corn head adjustment system of theagricultural machine of FIG. 1 according to an example;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the corn head according to an example;

FIG. 6 is a top side view of the corn head according to an example;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the corn head according to an example;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the corn head according to an example;

FIG. 9 is a bottom rear view of a portion of the corn head according toan example;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a portion of the corn head according to anexample;

FIG. 11 is a top front view of a portion of the corn head along line11-11 of FIG. 6 according to an example;

FIG. 12 is a bottom rear view of a portion of the corn head according toan example;

FIG. 13 is a top rear view of a portion of the corn head according to anexample;

FIG. 14 is a front underside view of a portion of the corn headaccording to an example;

FIG. 15 is a front underside view of a portion of the corn headrepresenting section 15-15 of FIG. 14 according to an example;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the corn head through line 16-16 ofFIG. 15 according to an example;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the corn head through line 17-17 ofFIG. 16 according to an example;

FIG. 18 is a partial underside view of the corn head along line 18-18 ofFIG. 8 according to an example;

FIG. 19 is a partial underside view of the corn head along line 19-19 ofFIG. 14 according to an example;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the corn head adjustment system of theagricultural machine of FIG. 1 according to a first example;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the corn head adjustment system of theagricultural machine of FIG. 1 according to another example; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the corn head adjustment system of theagricultural machine of FIG. 1 according to a further example.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes one or more example embodiments of the disclosedsystem and method, as shown in the accompanying figures of the drawingsdescribed briefly above. Various modifications to the exampleembodiments may be contemplated by one of skill in the art.

Agricultural implements of an agricultural machine, particularly a cornhead mounted on a combine or harvester, may be wide in order toprocesses a number of rows simultaneously to improve operationalefficiency. Since the corn head is so wide, it is separated onto one ormore portions that enable folding in order to more easily transport andstore the agricultural machine. As an example, the corn head may havewing segments mounted on each end of a center segment that fold onto thecenter segment. The folding and unfolding of the wing segments areimplemented hydraulically and may function to accommodate the variousoperational relationships between the segments.

The present disclosure generally relates to a corn head adjustmentsystem that implements adjustments to various aspects of the corn head.In some examples, the corn head adjustment system may include varioustypes of actuators (e.g., lock actuators, deck plate actuators, and foldactuators) that are hydraulically integrated in order to collectivelyreposition the actuators with a single command and/or a single fluidpressure source as a sequence during fold and unfold processes. Suchactuators may be dual-acting actuators. Further, in some examples, thedeck plate actuators may be positioned on each wing segment andcooperate to reposition the deck plates across the corn head. Moreover,in some examples, the corn head adjustment system may implement a resumefunction at the end of an unfold process in order to return the deckplates to a previous spacing. The hydraulics of the corn head adjustmentsystem may have various types of control mechanisms, includinghydraulically activated valves, electrically activated solenoid valves,and combinations thereof.

Further, the corn head adjustment system may include a force reductionor relief arrangement that is activated at the end of a fold processand/or unfold process to reduce the amount of force (or load) that theactuators place on the frames when assisted by gravity. Such forcerelief arrangements may be activated with a mechanical sensor thatdetermines the relative positions of the frame segments; a sensorintegrated into the respective actuators; and/or sensor or pressureelements within the hydraulics. It should be noted that the variousexamples discussed herein may be implemented as necessary or desiredwith one another as appropriate.

The following describes one or more example implementations of thedisclosed corn head adjustment system, as shown in the accompanyingfigures of the drawings described briefly above.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-3, which depict an agricultural machine100 with a vehicle 102 that supports a work implement, which in thisexample in a corn head 104 that functions to process corn. Although acorn head 104 is depicted, the examples discussed herein may beapplicable to other type of implements.

Briefly, the corn head 104 is formed by a first (or left) wing segment130, a second (or right) wing segment 140, and a center segment 150. Oneof wing segments 130, 140 is arranged on each end of the center segment150, which may be mounted to the vehicle 102 to secure the overall cornhead 104. As described in greater detail below, the corn head 104 may bemodified or adjusted in various ways by a head adjustment system 106,including into an unfolded state as shown in FIG. 1, in between unfoldedand folded states as shown in FIG. 2, and into the folded state as shownin FIG. 3. a folded state. Although the uses may vary, generally, themachine 100 operates in the unfolded position during an agriculturaloperation (e.g., when collecting and processing corn) and in the foldedposition during transport or storage of the machine 100. Unlessotherwise noted, the left wing segment 130 may be a mirror image of theright wing segment 140 with similar components, as may be the case withthe left and right sides of the center segment 150. Additional detailsregarding the corn head 104 and head adjustment system 106 are providedbelow.

Generally, the work vehicle 102 includes a vehicle frame 108 supportingthe cab 110 and a powertrain 112 supported on the vehicle frame 108 thatgenerates power for propulsion and/or other tasks to be performed by thework vehicle 102. In one example, the powertrain 112 may include anengine, transmission, steering system, wheels, and the like forpropelling and maneuvering the work vehicle 102, either autonomously orbased on commands by the operator. In one example, work vehicle 102 mayinclude a hydraulic system (generally “vehicle hydraulics”) 114 in whichpower generated by the powertrain 112 is distributed via fluid pressureto perform various functions on the work vehicle 102 and/or the cornhead 104. Additional details regarding the vehicle hydraulics 114 areprovided below. Although not shown, the work vehicle 102 may includevarious other components or systems that are typical on work vehicles.Examples include actuation systems, lubrication and cooling systems,battery systems, exhaust treatment systems, braking systems, and thelike.

The agricultural machine 100 may further include a controller 120 toperform and implement one or more functions associated with operatingthe work vehicle 102 and/or corn head 104. For example, the vehiclecontroller 120 may also facilitate automatic or manual maneuvering ofthe vehicle traversing the field and actuation of the processingelements of the vehicle 102 and/or corn head 104. As another example,the controller 120 may operate to control the elements that process thecorn on the corn head 104 and/or within the work vehicle 102.Additionally, the controller 120 may facilitate operation of the cornhead adjustment system 106, as described below.

Generally, the vehicle controller 120 (or others) may be configured as acomputing device with associated processor devices and memoryarchitectures, as a hard-wired computing circuit (or circuits), as aprogrammable circuit, as a hydraulic, electrical or electro-hydrauliccontroller, or otherwise. As such, the vehicle controller 120 may beconfigured to execute various computational and control functionalitywith respect to the work vehicle 102, the corn head 104, and/or the headadjustment system 106. In some embodiments, the vehicle controller 120may be configured to receive input signals in various formats from anumber of sources (e.g., including from the operator via operatorinterfaces 122, one or more sensors 124, units, and systems onboard orremote from the machine 100); and in response, the vehicle controller120 generates one or more types of commands for implementation by thevarious systems on or outside the agricultural machine 100.

In some embodiments, the vehicle controller 120 may be configured toreceive input commands and to interface with an operator viahuman-vehicle interfaces in the forms of one or more operator interfaces122, which may be disposed inside the cab 110 of the work vehicle 102for easy access by the vehicle operator. The operator interfaces 122 maybe configured in a variety of ways, including one or more joysticks,various switches or levers, one or more buttons, a touchscreeninterface, a keyboard, a speaker, a microphone associated with a speechrecognition system, or various other human-machine interface devices. Asdescribed in greater detail below, the operator may use the operatorinterfaces 122 to command or otherwise implement the adjustment ofvarious aspects of the corn head 104 in association with the corn headadjustment system 106, including wing folding and unfolding, as well aswing locking and deck plate adjustments.

As schematically shown, the work machine 100 may include one or moresensors 124 on the work vehicle 102 and/or corn head 104 that functionto collect information associated with the agricultural machine 100 andthe associated environment. Such information may be provided to thevehicle controller 120 for use by the corn head adjustment system 106.In one example, discussed below, the sensor 124 includes one or moreactuator sensors, wing position sensors, and/or deck plate sensors.Other sensors and associated components may be provided.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a schematic representation ofthe head adjustment system 106 on the vehicle 102 and/or corn head 104.As noted above, the corn head adjustment system 106 may be considered toinclude the controller 120, at least segments of the vehicle hydraulics114, and various components of the corn head 104, particularly actuatorsand hydraulics of the corn head 104. As also introduced above, the cornhead 104 is formed by left and right wing segments 130, 140 on eitherside of center segment 150. In turn, the wing and center segments 130,140, 150 are formed by respective frames 132, 142, 152 on which variouselements may be supported.

As discussed in greater detail below, the corn head 104 includes anumber of deck plates 170, depicted as a series of deck plate sets 170a-170 l in FIG. 4. Each deck plate set 170 a-170 l defines a spacingthat admits the corn stalks for further processing and removal of thecorn ears. In particular, each deck plate set 170 a-170 l includes astationary plate and an adjustable plate mounted on a rod 134, 144, 154,laterally repositionable to modify the spacings. In one example, thedeck plate rods 134, 144, 154 include a left deck plate rod 134positioned on the left wing frame 132, a right deck plate rod 144positioned on the right wing frame 142, and a center deck plate rod 154positioned on the center frame 152. During typical operation, the leftand right wing deck plate rods 134, 144 abut the ends of the center deckplate rod 154. The center deck plate rod 154 is configured to belaterally repositionable by the mechanical force of repositioning theleft and right wing deck plate rods 134, 144.

Further, the corn head 104 includes lock assemblies 136, 146 mounted onthe ends of the center frame 152. The lock assemblies 136, 146 may alsohave a portion mounted on the wing frames 132, 142 that enable the wingframes 132, 142 to be locked relative to the center frame 152, asdiscussed in greater detail below.

Generally, the head adjustment system 106 operates to modify theposition of one or more components of the corn head 104 on the vehicle102. In particular, the controller 120 operates to command actuators180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230 of the head adjustment system 106 toreposition aspects of the corn head 104. In particular, the headadjustment system 106 actuates the deck plate actuators 180, 190, thelock actuators 200, 210, and the fold actuators 220, 230 in order torespectively modify the deck plates 170, the lock assemblies 136, 146,and the wing segments 130, 140, which may be implemented individuallyand/or in combination with one another. Such commands may be implementedby vehicle hydraulics 114 and head hydraulics 240. Generally, thehydraulics 114, 240 refer to the combination of conduits, passages,valves, tanks, pumps, electrical and fluid connections, and the likethat operate to implement the functions described herein. More specificexample arrangements of the hydraulics 114, 240 are provided below.

Regarding the fold actuators 220, 230, the head adjustment system 106includes a first (or left) fold actuator 220 mounted on the left wingframe 132 and further coupled to the center frame 152 and a second (orright) wing fold actuator 230 mounted on the right wing frame 142 andfurther coupled to the center frame 152. As introduced above, the foldactuators 220, 230 have first (or extended) positions to unfold the wingsegments 130, 140 relative to the center segment 150, and the foldactuators 220, 230 have second (or retracted) positions to lock the wingsegments 130, 140 relative to the center segment 150.

Regarding the deck plate actuators 180, 190, the head adjustment system106 may modify the spacing of deck plate sets 170 a-170 l. Generally,each deck plate set 170 a-170 l (collectively, “deck plates” 170)includes a stationary deck plate and an adjustable deck plate that maybe repositioned by the head adjustment system 106 to modify the spacingsinto the associated corn processing elements, as described below. Asschematically shown and introduced above, the head adjustment system 106may be considered to include wing deck plate rod 134, 144 supported ineach wing frame 132 and center deck plate rod 154 supported in thecenter frame 152. During operation and when the wing segments 130, 140are in the unfolded position, the wing deck plate rods 134, 144 abut thecenter deck plate rod 154. Each adjustable deck plate of the deck platesets 170 a-170 l may be fixed to one of the wing deck plate rods 134,144 or the center deck plate rod 154. In the depicted example, theadjustable deck plates of deck plate sets 170 a-170 c are coupled to theleft wing deck plate rod 134; the adjustable deck plates of deck platesets 170 d-170 i are coupled to the center deck plate rod 154; and theadjustable deck plates of deck plate sets 170 j-170 l are coupled to theright wing deck plate rod 144.

The head adjustment system 106 further includes deck plate actuators180, 190. A first (or left) deck plate actuator 180 is coupled to theleft wing frame 132 and is further coupled to the left wing deck platerod 134, and a second (or right) deck plate actuator 190 is coupled tothe right wing frame 142 and is further coupled to the right wing deckplate rod 144. Upon activation, the deck plate actuators 180, 190 maylaterally adjust the deck plate rods 134, 144. As such, the deck plateactuators 180, 190 may move both the rods 134, 144 away from the centerdeck plate rod 154 (e.g., in opposite, outward directions) or towardsthe center deck plate rod 154 (e.g., in the opposite, inwarddirections); or the deck plate actuators 180, 190 may cooperate to moveboth the rods 134, 144 in the same direction to push the center deckplate rod 154 in the actuated direction in order to collectivelyincrease or decrease the spacings of the deck plate sets 170 a-170 l. Inthis example, moving the rods 134, 144, 154 toward the left side wingsegment 130 (e.g., to the right in FIG. 4) functions to increase thespacings of the deck plate sets 170 a-170 l, and moving the rods 134,144, 154 toward the right side wing segment 140 (e.g., to the left inFIG. 4) functions to decrease the spacings of the deck plate sets 170a-170 l.

Regarding the lock actuators 200, 210, the head adjustment system 106may further include a first (or left) lock assembly 136 that functionsto secure and align the left wing segment 130 to the center segment 150and a second (or right) lock assembly 146 that functions to secure andalign the right wing segment 140 to the center segment 150. Additionaldetails regarding the lock assemblies 136, 146 are provided below. Inbrief, the lock actuators 200, 210 have first (or extended) positions tolock the lock assemblies 136, 146 (e.g., to secure the respective wingsegment 130, 140 to the center segment 150), and the lock actuators 200,210 have second (or retracted) positions to unlock the lock assemblies136, 146 (e.g., to release the respective wing segment 130, 140 relativeto the center segment 150). Additional information regarding thehydraulics 114, 240 that actuate actuators 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230of the corn head adjustment system 106 is provided below after adiscussion of the mechanical structure and elements of the corn head 104depicted in FIG. 5-19.

The views of FIGS. 5-8 depict various views of the corn head 104,including the left wing segment 130, the right wing segment 140, and thecenter segment 150. As noted above, the corn head includes an array ofprocessing elements 164 and deck plates 170 separated and partiallyhoused by covers 160 such that corn may be separated from the stalk andtransported to the vehicle 102 by an auger 162. In this example, thecorn head 104 may be able to process twelve (12) rows of corn, althoughother examples may be able to accommodate other numbers of rows.Although not discussed in great detail, the processing elements 164 thatare used to gather, pinch, chop, and discard the corn stalk and todirect the corn ears to the feederhouse of the vehicle 102 (FIG. 1) mayinclude intermeshing stalk rolls, chopping or knife elements, gatheringchains, augers, guards, wear plates, and/or various drive components.

Further, FIGS. 9-19 depict additional views of the corn head 104,particularly elements of the corn head adjustment system 106. Generally,FIG. 9 is a bottom rear view of a portion of the corn head 104; FIG. 10is a rear view of a portion of the corn head 104; FIG. 11 is a top frontview of a portion of the corn head 104 along line 11-11 of FIG. 6; FIG.12 is a bottom rear view of a portion of the corn head 104; FIG. 13 is atop rear view of a portion of the corn head 104; FIG. 14 is a frontunderside view of a portion of the corn head 104; FIG. 15 is a frontunderside view of a portion of the corn head 104 representing section15-15 of FIG. 14; FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the corn head 104through line 16-16 of FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of thecorn head 104 through line 17-17 of FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a partialunderside view of the corn head 104 along line 18-18 of FIG. 8; and FIG.19 is a partial underside view of the corn head 104 along line 19-19 ofFIG. 14.

Initially reference is made to FIG. 9, which better depicts theprocessing elements 164 mounted on in between the left wing segmentframe elements 132 a, 132 b. The view of FIG. 9 additional provides anexample of a set of deck plates 170 that set the spacing for processingthe corn.

Now referring to FIG. 10 and as introduced above, the lift actuator 230includes a cylinder mounted by a bracket 152 c on a center frame segmentelement 152 a and a rod mounted by a bracket 142 c on a right framesegment element 142 a. As a result of this arrangement, retraction ofthe lift actuator 230 operates to fold the wing frame 142 relative tothe center frame 152. The left wing segment 130 and lift actuator 220are similarly arrangement. The view of FIG. 10 further depicts driveelements 166 a, 166 b for driving the processing elements 164.

The views of FIGS. 11 and 12 are similar to that of FIG. 10, andparticularly depict a fold stop 152 d (FIG. 11) that supports the rightwing segment 140 on the center segment 150 and unfold stops 142 d, 152 ethat abut one another when unfolded. The force on stops 142 d, 152 d,152 e may be mitigated or addressed by the force relief arrangements ofthe corn head hydraulics discussed below.

Now referring to FIG. 13, the lift actuator 220 extends between the leftwing frame 132 and the center frame 152 to fold and unfold the left wingsegment 130 relative to the center segment 150. The view additionallydepicts a sensor 124 a mounted on the center frame 152 that operates todetermine the angle of the wing frame 132 relative to the center frame152 in order to actuate the force relief arrangements of the of the cornhead hydraulics discussed below. The view of FIG. 13 also depicts avalve block 300 that forms part of the corn head hydraulics discussed ingreater detail below.

The view of FIG. 14 is a front underside view of a portion of the cornhead 104 and depicts various elements discussed in greater detail below.In particular, the view of FIG. 14 depicts the deck plate actuator 180that operates to reposition the deck plate rod 134, and by abutment, thedeck plate rod 154 of the center segment 150. As shown, the deck plateactuator 180 is mounted on the left segment frame 132 to cooperate witha deck plate actuator 190 mounted on the right wing frame 142 (not shownin FIG. 14) to reposition the deck plates 170. Additionally, the lockassembly 136 is mounted on the center frame 152 and cooperates with thelock actuator 200 in order to lock the left wing segment 130 relative tothe center segment 150. As discussed below, the lock actuator 200 isextended to lock the lock assembly 136 and retracted to unlock the lockassembly 136. A similar lock assembly 136 and lock actuator 210 areprovided on the other side of the center frame 152 to lock the rightwing segment 140 to the center segment 150.

The views of FIGS. 15-18 provide additional views of the lock assembly136 and lock actuator 200. The cylinder 202 of the lock actuator 200 ismounted on the center frame 152 and the rod 204 of the lock actuator 200is positioned to extend into the lock assembly 136. As best shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, an outer portion 136 a of the lock assembly 136 ismounted on the center frame 152 and an inner portion 136 b of the lockassembly 136 is mounted on the left wing frame 132. The inner portion136 b is partially housed within the outer portion 136 a and each hasgenerally aligned slots. When the lock actuator 200 is retracted, theportions 136 a, 136 b may move relative to one another; but when thelock actuator 200 is extended through the slots into the portions 136 a,136 b, the portions 136 a, 136 b are locked relative to one another.

Additionally, an arm bracket 136 c is mounted to the rod 204 of the lockactuator 200, to the center frame 152, and to a cover 160. As a result,as the rod 204 of the lock actuator 200 is extended, the cover 160 ismaintained in a default position over the processing elements 164.However, as the rod 204 of the lock actuator 200 is retracted, the cover160 is pivoted slightly (as best shown in FIG. 2) by the arrangement ofthe arm bracket 136 c to enable the cover to accommodate the foldingprocess.

Further, the view of FIG. 18 depicts an underside of the corn head 104and particularly depicts portions of the deck plates 170, the centerdeck plate rod 154, the right wing deck plate rod 144, and the rightwing fold actuator 230. As discussed below, the deck plate rods 144, 154operate to reposition the spacing of the deck plates 170 and to retractthe right wing deck plate rod 144 relative to the center deck plate rod154 to enable folding of the right wing segment 140 relative to thecenter segment 150. Similarly, the view of FIG. 19 depicts an undersideof the corn head 104 and particularly depicts a closer view of deckplate actuator 180 that repositions the left deck plate rod 134 forretraction and for repositioning of the deck plates 170.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the corn head adjustment system 106 ofthe agricultural machine 100 of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment.As noted above, the corn head adjustment system 106 includes vehiclehydraulics 114 and head hydraulics 240 that operate the actuators 180,190, 200, 210, 220, 230. In this example, a portion of the headhydraulics 240 is embodied within a corn head valve block 300 that maybe mounted on the center segment 150 of the corn head 104 that fluidlycommunicates with the vehicle hydraulics 114 and the actuators 180, 190,200, 210, 220, 230. The valve block 300 may be considered a unit ormodule that houses various hydraulic components for selectivedistribution.

As shown, the vehicle hydraulics 114 may include a pump 304, a drain orsource 306, and a vehicle directional valve 308. Upon activation, thepump 304 pressurizes the fluid from the drain 306, and the vehicledirectional valve 308 facilitates the distribution in and out of thevehicle hydraulics 114 via a supply line 310 and a drain line 311. Thevehicle directional valve 308 may be solenoid valve commanded by signalsfrom the controller 120 into a first position 308 a, a second position308 b, and a third (or default) position 308 c. The combine headcoupling element 312 couples the vehicle hydraulics 114 to the headhydraulics 240. In this example, first and second lines 314, 316 extendfrom ports 318 a, 318 b between the vehicle hydraulics 114 and the headhydraulics 240, particularly to the valve block 300.

In one example, the valve block 300 includes a body 320 (schematicallyshown) with the two primary ports 322 a, 322 b and a number of actuatorports 324 a-324 l such that the components of the valve block 300 maydistribute fluid flow between the vehicle hydraulics 114 and theactuator 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230.

As introduced above, the wing fold actuator set includes the left wingfold actuator 220 and right wing fold actuator 230. The left wing foldactuator 220 includes a cylinder 222 and a rod 224 partially arrangedwithin the cylinder 222 with a piston head defining chambers such thatfluid flowing into a retraction-side chamber of the cylinder 222 vialine 354 operates to retract the rod 224 and fluid flowing into anextension-side chamber of the cylinder 222 via line 355 operates toextend the rod 224. Similarly, right wing fold actuator 230 includes acylinder 232 and a rod 234 partially arranged within the cylinder 232with a piston head defining chambers such that fluid flowing into aretraction-side chamber of the cylinder 232 via line 356 operates toretract the rod 234 and fluid flowing into an extension-side chamber ofthe cylinder 232 via line 357 operates to extend the rod 234. As such,the fold actuators 220, 230 are dual-acting actuators that may beactively commanded in each direction. As shown, lines 354-357 arerespectively coupled to ports 324 a-324 d. Generally, as introducedabove, retraction of the rods 224, 234 of the wing fold actuators 220,230 operates to fold up the wing segments 130, 140 relative to thecenter segment 150; and extension of the rods 224, 234 of the wing foldactuators 220, 230 operates to unfold the wing segments 130, 140relative to the center segment 150.

In one example, each wing fold actuator 220, 230 may be associated witha “velocity fuse” valve 226, 236. The velocity fuse valves 226, 236generally enable flow of fluid through the associated lines 354, 356;however, upon identifying a predetermined rate of fluid flow out of therespective actuator 220, 230, the respective velocity fuse valve 226,236 activates to block the flow of fluid through the line 354, 356. Ineffect, velocity fuse valves 226, 236 operate as safety features toprevent the wing segments 130, 140 from falling if a line is severed andfluidly flows too quickly out of the actuators 220, 230. The velocityfuse valves 226, 236 may have any suitable activation setting, such as 8gallons per minute.

As also introduced above, the wing lock actuator set includes the leftwing lock actuator 200 and the right wing lock actuator 210. The leftwing lock actuator 200 includes a cylinder 202 and a rod 204 partiallyarranged within the cylinder 202 with a piston head defining chamberssuch that fluid flowing into a retraction-side chamber via line 358operates to retract the rod 204 and fluid flowing into an extension-sidechamber of the cylinder 202 via line 359 operates to extend the rod 204.Similarly, the right wing lock actuator 210 includes a cylinder 212 anda rod 214 partially arranged within the cylinder 212 with a piston headdefining chambers such that fluid flowing into a retraction-side chambervia line 360 operates to retract the rod 214 and fluid flowing into anextension-side chamber of the cylinder 212 via line 361 operates toextend the rod 214. As such, the deck plate actuators 180, 190 aredual-acting actuators that may be actively commanded in each direction.As shown, lines 358-361 are respectively coupled to ports 324 e-324 h.Generally, as introduced above, retraction of the rods 204, 214 of thewing lock actuators 200, 210 operates to unlock the wing segments 130,140 relative to the center segment 150; and extension of the rods 204,214 of the wing lock actuators 200, 210 operates to lock the wingsegment 130, 140 relative to the center segment 150.

As further introduced above, the wing deck plate actuator set includesthe left wing deck plate actuator 180 and the right deck plate actuator190. The left wing deck plate actuator 180 includes a cylinder 182 and arod 184 partially arranged within the cylinder 182 with a piston headdefining chambers such that fluid flow into a retraction-side chambervia line 362 operates to retract the rod 184 and fluid flowing into anextension-side chamber of the cylinder 182 via line 363 operates toextend the rod 184. Similarly, the right deck plate actuator 190includes a cylinder 192 and a rod 194 partially arranged within thecylinder 192 with a piston head defining chambers such that fluid flowinto a retraction-side chamber via line 364 operates to retract the rod194 and fluid flowing into an extension-side chamber of the cylinder 192via line 365 operates to extend the rod 194. As such, the lock actuators200, 210 are dual-acting actuators that may be actively commanded ineach direction. As shown, lines 362-365 are respectively coupled toports 324 i-324 l. Generally, as introduced above, retraction of therods 184, 194 of the wing deck plate actuators 180, 190 operates todecouple the wing deck plate rods 134, 144 the wing segments 130, 140relative to the center segment 150; and extension of the rods 184, 194of the wing deck plate actuators 180, 190 operates to couple the wingsegments 130, 140 relative to the center segment 150. As discussed ingreater detail below, the deck plate actuators 180, 190 may also be usedto modify the spacing of the deck plate rods 134, 144, 154 (and thus,the spacings of the deck plates 170), as well as to resume or return toa predetermined spacing after unfolding the wing segments 130, 140.

Returning to block 300, in this example, first primary lines 400, 401and second primary lines 402, 403 extend between primary ports 322 a,322 b to a head directional valve 410. As described below, the headdirectional valve 410 may be considered to have a first (or fold)position 410 a, a second (or unfold) position 410 b, and a third (ordefault) position 410 c. The head directional valve 410 may be solenoidvalve commanded by signals from the controller 120 into one or more ofthe positions 410 a, 410 b, 410 c. Depending on respective functionduring various modes or operation (e.g., retraction, extension, resume),the lines 400, 401, 402, 403 may be considered supply lines or drainlines.

A shuttle valve 420 is fluidly coupled to the head directional valve 410via lines 422, 424, respectively attached to opposite ends of theshuttle valve 420. A first counterbalance valve 430 is fluidly coupledto the head directional valve 410 via line 422, and a secondcounterbalance valve 432 is fluidly coupled to the head directionalvalve 410 via line 422. In one example, the first counterbalance valve430 may be actuated by a pilot line 434 extending to line 424, and thesecond counterbalance valve 432 may be actuated by a pilot line 436extending to line 422, as discussed in greater detail below, in order toselectively restrict the flow of fluid from the fold actuators 220, 230.

A distribution element 440 is fluidly coupled to the firstcounterbalance valve 430 via line 442 and operates to split the flowfrom (and combine the flow to, as appropriate) the first counterbalancevalve 430, and thus, line 422. As shown, the distribution element 440divides the flow from line 422 between line 444, which is fluidlycoupled to port 324 a, and line 446, which is fluidly coupled to port324 c. As such, and as discussed in greater detail below, lines 444, 446supply fluid flow to, or receive flow from, the retraction-side of foldactuator 220, 230. Returning again to the flow path of line 424, a line450 extends from the second counterbalance valve 432 and extends to port324 b, which in turn is fluidly coupled to the extension-side of theleft wing fold actuator 220. A line 452 branches from line 450 and isselectively fluidly coupled to port 324 d via an isolation valve 456.The isolation valve 456 may include a first position 456 a in which line452 is fluidly coupled to port 324 d and a second position 456 b inwhich line 452 is not fluidly coupled to port 324 d. As such, when theisolation valve 456 is in the first position 456 a, flow from line 450is also directed through line 452 to port 324 d, which in turn isfluidly coupled to the extension-side of the right wing fold actuator230. In this example, valve 456 is solenoid valve with spring return.

Returning to shuttle valve 420, a line 460 extends from the center portof the shuttle valve 420 and is fluidly coupled to port 324 i and, vialine 462, to port 324 k. As such, flow from the shuttle valve 420 may bedirected through lines 460, 462, 362, 364 and ports 324 i, 324 k to theretraction-sides of the deck plate actuators 180, 190.

In addition to fluidly connecting the deck plate actuators 180, 190 tothe pressure paths controlling the fold actuators 220, 230, pressurefrom line 460 may also be used to retract the lock actuators 200, 210via lines 464, 466, 354, 356 and ports 324 e, 324 g. Line 464 extendsfrom line 460 to port 324 g, and line 466 extends from line 464 to port324 e. A check valve 470 may be positioned on line 464 to selectivelycheck or prevent flow from the retraction-side of the lock actuators200, 210 to line 460 based on the pressure in pilot line 472, discussedin greater detail below.

As such, and as discussed in greater detail below, fluid pressure intoport 322 a may be used to retract all six actuators 180, 190, 200, 210,220, 230 when the head directional valve 410 is in the first position410 a; and fluid pressure into port 322 a may be used to extend the foldactuators 220, 230 and retract the lock and deck plate actuator 180,190, 200, 210 when the head directional valve 410 is in the secondposition 410 b.

The valve block 300 may also include a number of flow paths thatinteract directly with the primary lines 400, 401, 402, 403 that areintroduced briefly here and the functions to which will be discussed ingreater detail below. Returning briefly to the first primary lines 400,401, a line 480 extends from the first primary line 400 to the secondprimary line 402 with a check valve 482 on line 480 to prevent the flowof fluid from port 322 a through line 400 to line 402. Additionally,line 484 extends from primary line 400 to port 324 j, thereby enablingselective extension of the left deck plate actuator 180, as discussed ingreater detail below. A blocker valve 490 is positioned on line 484 toselectively block flow through line 484 in a first position 480a andallow flow through line 484 in a second position 480 b. In this example,the blocker valve 490 may be solenoid activated based on signals fromthe controller 120 and spring returned.

A check valve 492 is also positioned on line 480 to enable flow throughline 480 to port 324 j while selectively blocking flow in the oppositedirection based on a pilot line 494. An orifice restriction 496 is alsopositioned on line 484 to prioritize distribution of flow through line484 to port 324 j relative to other flow paths, as discussed in greaterdetail below. A line 500 extends from line 484 and with line 502 fluidlycouples line 484 to ports 324 f, 324 h and the extension-sides of lockactuators 200, 210, as discussed in greater detail below.

Referring to line 402, a line 510 extends from line 402 at a positionalong the lines 402, 403 in between the port 322 b and the headdirectional valve 410. A check valve 512 is positioned on line 402 toblock the flow of fluid from port 322 b to lines 403, 510, whileenabling flow in the opposite direction. Line 520 extends from line 510to line 500, which as discussed above is fluidly coupled to ports 324 f,324 h. A check valve 522 is positioned on line 520 to enable flow fromline 510 to line 520 while selectively preventing flow from line 520 toline 510 depending on the pressure in pilot line 524. Line 530 alsoextends from line 510 to line 540, which in turn is fluidly coupled toport 324 l, and thus, the extension-side of the right deck plateactuator 190. A check valve 532 is arranged on line 530 to enable flowfrom line 530 to port 324 l while selectively preventing flow from port324 l through line 530 depending on the pressure in pilot line 534. Line540 extends from line 402 to port 324 l, which as noted above, isfluidly coupled to the extension-side of the right deck plate actuator190. A check valve 542 is positioned on line 540 to enable flow fromline 540 to port 324 l while selectively preventing flow from port 324 lthrough line 540 to line 404 depending on the pressure in pilot line544. The orifice restriction 546 is positioned on line 540 to prioritizeflow, particularly with respect to the extension of the lock actuators200, 210, discussed below.

A force relief arrangement 550 is further included as part of the headhydraulics 240 within the block 300. In one example, the force reliefarrangement 550 includes a solenoid flow mechanism 552 and a pressurerelief valve 554 that are fluidly coupled between the first primary line401 and the second primary line 403 via lines 556, 558. Upon command,the solenoid flow mechanism 552 is activated such that fluid flows fromline 401 through the line 556 to the pressure relief valve 554, and thepressure relief valve 554 directs the fluid to line 403, therebyfunctioning to reduce the pressure in line 401 to the predeterminedvalue associated with valve 554. In other words, when activated, theforce relief arrangement 550 functions to “vent” line 401 into line 403.The pressure relief valve 554 may have any suitable setting, such as 900psi. The result of reduced pressure in line 401 is to reduce thepressure through head directional valve 410, and thus to the downstreamactuators 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, particularly the fold actuators220, 230. As described below, the force relief arrangement 550 may beactuated at the end portion (e.g., the last 33%, 25%, 10%, or anysuitable selected value) of the fold or unfold process. Additionaldetails regarding to the function of the force relief arrangement 550are provided below.

In one example, the solenoid flow mechanism 552 may be a solenoid valveactivated based on sensor and/or controller signals and spring returned,while in other examples, the solenoid flow mechanism 552 may behydraulically actuated. In particular, the solenoid flow mechanism 552may be activated based on signals from a sensor (e.g., sensor 124 ofFIG. 1) that monitors a wing angle value and/or that monitors theposition of the fold actuators 220, 230. One or more examples ofhydraulically activated force relief valves are provided below.

Operation of the hydraulics 114, 240 of the adjustment system 106 willnow be described with respect to particular functions, processes, andstates. As described below, the adjustment system 106 operates toimplement the following: 1) a fold process in which the wing segments130, 140 are pulled from an unfold state up and onto a center segment150 as a folded state, which further includes unlocking the lockassemblies 136, 146 and decoupling the wing deck plate rods 134, 144from the center deck plate rod 154; 2) a fold force relief function atthe end of the fold process; 3) an unfold process in which the wingsegments 130, 140 are pulled from fold state on the center segment 150and back onto the ground as the unfolded state; 4) an unfold forcerelief function at the end of the unfold process; and 5) a locking andresume function after completing the unfold process in which the lockassemblies 136, 146 are locked and the deck plate rods 134, 144, 154 arereturned to most recent position.

Regarding the fold process, the controller 120 generates a fold commandto the vehicle hydraulics 114 and/or head hydraulics 240. Such a commandmay be generated in response to an operator input via the operatorinterface 122 (FIG. 1). Generally, the hydraulics 114, 240 operate tofold the wing segments 130, 140 by 1) retracting the lock actuators 200,210 in order to unlock the wing segments 130, 140 relative to the centersegment 150; 2) retracting the deck plate actuators 180, 190 to decouplethe wing deck plate rods 134, 144 from the center deck plate rod 154;and 3) retracting the fold actuators 220, 230 to pull and fold the wingsegments 130, 140 up and onto the center segment 150, as will now bedescribed.

Upon generation of the fold command, the pump 304 is initiated topressurize line 310, and the vehicle directional valve 308 is shiftedinto position 308 a such that fluid flows through the element 312 andthrough line 314 to port 322 a. From port 322 a, the fluid flows throughline 400 and line 402 to head directional valve 410. During the foldcommand, the controller 120 places the head directional valve 410 inposition 410 a such that line 422 is pressurized. Upon line 422 beingpressurized, the shuttle valve 420 operates to such that the fluidpressurizes line 460. From line 460, the fluid flows through line 464,through check valve 470, additionally through line 466, and throughports 324 e, 324 g and lines 354, 356 to the retraction-sides ofcylinders 202, 212, thereby retracting the lock actuators 200, 210.Additionally from line 460, the fluid further flows through line 462,and through ports 324 i, 324 k and lines 374, 376 to theretraction-sides of cylinders 182, 192, thereby retracting the deckplate actuators 180, 190. Further, from line 422, the fluid flowsthrough valve 430, through the distribution element 440, through lines444, 446, and through ports 324 a, 324 c to the retraction-sides ofcylinders 222, 232, thereby retracting the fold actuators 220, 230.

It should also be noted that the controller 120 may activate one or moreadditional valves during the fold process. In particular, the controller120 may place valve 490 in the second position 490 b in order to blockany flow of fluid from line 400 through line 484, and the controller 120may place valve 456 into the first position 456 a in order to enabledrain paths, as discussed in greater detail below.

At a predetermined position or pressure of the fold actuators 220, 230,the controller 120 also activates the force relief arrangement 550,particularly by activating the solenoid flow mechanism 552. Asintroduced above, the controller 120 may activate the relief arrangement550 with one or more types of sensors (e.g., a mechanical sensor thatdetermines the angle of the wing frames 132, 142 relative to the centerframe 152, an actuator sensor that determines the position of theactuator rods 224, 234 relative to the cylinders 222, 232) or accordingto a hydraulic activation. In one example, the controller 120 may activethe force relief arrangement 550 during the final third of theretraction stroke of the fold actuators 220, 230. In other examples, theforce relief arrangement 550 may be activated in the final 25% or thefinal 10% of the fold process. As noted above, relief arrangement 550operates to vent a portion of the pressure from line 402 to line 406,thereby reducing the pressure to the fold actuators 220, 230 andtherefore reducing the force that the actuators 220, 230 place upon theframes 132, 142, 152 upon folding the wing frames 132, 142 of the wingsegments 130, 140 onto the center frame 152 of the center segment 150.

During the fold process, the adjustment system 106 also forms drainpaths for fluid to be directed out of the head hydraulics 240 and backinto the drain 306. For example, as the fold actuators 220, 230 areretracted, fluid from the extension-side of the cylinders 222, 232 flowsthrough line 355, 357; through ports 324 b, 324 d; through lines 450,452 and valve 456; through valves 432, 410; through lines 406, 404; outof port 322 b; through line 316 and element 312; and through valve 308and line 311 to the drain 306. Similarly, as the lock actuators 200, 210are retracted, fluid from the extension-side of the cylinders 202, 212flows through lines 355, 357; through ports 324 f, 324 h; through line500, 502; through valve 522 (actuated by pilot line 524); through lines510, 520; through valve 512; through line 404; through port 322 b;through line 316 and element 312; and through valve 308 and line 311 tothe drain 306. Further, as the deck plate actuators 180, 190 areretracted, fluid from the extension-side of the cylinders 182, 192 flowsthrough lines 363, 365; through ports 324 j, 324 l; through lines 520,530; through check valves 522, 532 (actuated by pilot lines 524, 534);through lines 510; through valve 512; through line 404; through port 322b; through line 316 and element 312; and through valve 308 and line 311to the drain 306.

It should be noted that during the retraction of the fold actuators 220,230, the counterbalance valves 430, 432 operate to modulate the foldingof the wing segments 130, 140. In particular, as the wing segments 130,140 rise off the ground and pass through a vertical orientation, gravitywill add to the force from the fold actuators 220, 230 that pull thewing segments 130, 140 down onto the center segment 150. Unlessotherwise addressed, the wing segments 130, 140 may fall onto the centersegment 150. However, during retraction, the counterbalance valve 432 inthe drain path may be actuated to at least partially close based onpressure in pilot line 434, which functions to maintain an opposing or(“counterbalance”) pressure in the extension-side of the cylinders 222,232 of the fold actuator 220, 230 to prevent the wing segments 130, 140from falling too quickly. For example, when gravity is pulling down thewing segments 130, 140, the pressure in line 422 drops and actuates thecounterbalance valve 432 via pilot line 434 to restrict or throttle theflow out of the fold actuators 220, 230. The counterbalance valve 432may have any suitable setting, such as 3100 psi.

During the fold process, the pressure in line 422 operates to repositionthe fold actuators 220, 230 and, via line 460, further operates toreposition the lock actuators 200, 210 and the deck plate actuators 180,190. Since the lock actuators 200, 210 and the deck plate actuators 180,190 are actuated at lower pressures than the fold actuators 220, 230,the lock actuators 200, 210 and the deck plate actuators 180, 190 areactuated sooner than the deck plate actuators 180, 190. In other words,the lock assemblies 136, 146 are unlocked and the wing deck plate rods134, 144 are retracted prior to lifting the wing segments 130, 140.Additionally and as noted above, retraction of the lock actuators 200,210 also functions to pivot at least one of the pivot covers 160.

Regarding the unfold process, the controller 120 generates an unfoldcommand to the vehicle hydraulics 114 and/or head hydraulics 240. Such acommand may be generated in response to an operator input via theoperator interface 122 (FIG. 1). Generally, the adjustment system 106operates to fold the wing segments 130, 140 by extending the foldactuators 220, 230 to pull and fold the wing segments 130, 140 up andoff the center segment 150 and onto the ground. As described below, theunfold process may include an unfold force relief function and befollowed by a locking and resume function.

Upon generation of the unfold command, the pump 304 is initiated topressurize line 310, and the vehicle directional valve 308 is positionedin position 308 a such that fluid flows through the element 312 andthrough line 314 to port 322 a. From port 322 a, the fluid flows throughline 400 and line 402 to head directional valve 410. During the unfoldcommand, the controller 120 places the head directional valve 410 inposition 410 b such that line 424 is pressurized. Upon line 424 beingpressurized, the shuttle valve 420 operates to such that the fluidpressurizes line 460. From line 460, the fluid flows through line 464,through check valve 470, additionally through line 466, and throughports 324 e, 324 g and lines 354, 356 to the retraction-sides ofcylinders 202, 212, thereby retracting the lock actuators 200, 210.Additionally, from line 460, the fluid further flows through line 462,and through ports 324 i, 324 k and lines 362, 364 to theretraction-sides of cylinders 182, 192, thereby retracting the deckplate actuators 180, 190. Further, from line 424, the fluid flowsthrough valve 432, through line 450 to port 324 b, through line 355 tothe extension-side of the cylinder 222 of fold actuator 220, as well asthrough line 452, through valve 456, port 324 d, line 357 to theextension-side of cylinder 232 of fold actuator 230. It is noted thatthe valve 456 is placed in position 456 a in order to allow flow offluid through line 452 to port 324 d. Pressure in the extension-sides ofthe cylinders 222, 232 operates to extend the fold actuators 220, 230and unfold the wing segments 130, 140.

It should also be noted that the controller 120 may activate one or moreadditional valves during the unfold process. In particular, thecontroller 120 may place valve 490 in the second position 490 b in orderto block any flow of fluid from line 400 through line 484, and thecontroller 120 may place valve 456 into the first position 456 a inorder to enable drain paths, as discussed in greater detail below.

At a predetermined position or pressure of the fold actuators 220, 230,the controller 120 also activates the force relief arrangement 550,particularly by activating the solenoid flow mechanism 552. The forcerelief arrangement 550 may operate as described above at the final third(or other position) of the unfold process. As noted above, reliefarrangement 550 operates to vent a portion of the pressure from line 402to line 406, thereby reducing the pressure to the fold actuators 220,230 and therefore reducing the force that the actuators 220, 230 placeupon the frames 132, 142, 152 upon unfolding the wing frames 132, 142 ofthe wing segments 130, 140 onto ground.

During the unfold process, the adjustment system 106 also forms drainpaths for fluid to be directed out of the head hydraulics 240 and backinto the drain 306. For example, as the fold actuators 220, 230 areextended, fluid from the retraction-side of the cylinders 222, 232 flowsthrough line 354, 356; through ports 324 a, 324 c; through lines 444,446 and distribution element 440; through line 442, through valve 430;through line 422, through valve 410; through lines 403, 402; out of port322 b; through line 316 and element 312; and through valve 308 and line311 to the drain 306.

During the unfold process, the lock actuators 200, 210 and deck plateactuators 180, 190 are maintained in the retracted states by thepressure in line 460.

It should be also noted that during the extension of the fold actuators220, 230, the counterbalance valves 430, 432 operate to modulate thefolding of the wing segments 130, 140. In particular, as the wingsegments 130, 140 rise off the center segment 150 and pass through avertical orientation, gravity will add to the force from the foldactuators 220, 230 that pull the wing segments 130, 140 down onto theground. Unless otherwise addressed, the wing segments 130, 140 may fallonto the ground. However, during extension, the counterbalance valve 430in the drain path may be actuated to at least partially close based onpressure in pilot line 436, which functions to maintain an opposing or(“counterbalance”) pressure in the retraction-side of the cylinders 222,232 of the fold actuator 220, 230 to prevent the wing segments 130, 140from falling too quickly. The counterbalance valve 430 may any suitablesetting, such as 3100 psi.

Upon completion of the unfold process, the controller 120 initiates lockand resume function. The lock and resume functions are generallyinitiated automatically, although in other examples, it may be manuallyinitiated by the operator.

During typical agricultural operation in the unfolded state, the deckplates 170 have a selected spacing, and although such spacing may beadjusted by the operator, as described below, the operator generallydesires to maintain the spacing upon returning to the unfolded state. Assuch, a sensor (e.g., sensor 124) may determine and store a currentoperational deck plate spacing value associated with the deck plates 170(and/or deck plate actuators 180, 190) prior to initiation of a foldingprocess. As noted above, the corn head adjustment system 106 initiatesthe folding process in order to decouple the wing deck plate rods 134,144, unlock the lock assemblies 136, 146, and pull the wing segments130, 140 into the folded state, e.g., for transport or storage. In orderto return the corn head 104 to the unfolded state, the controller 120implements the unfolding process in order to pull the wing segments 130,140 back into the unfolded state, as detailed above. Upon returning tothe unfolded state, the corn head adjustment system 106 may initiate adeck plate resume function to adjust the deck plate actuators 180, 190(and thus, the deck plates 170) according to the stored currentoperational deck plate spacing value associated with the position of thedeck plates 170 prior to the previous fold process. The deck plateresume function may also operate to lock the lock assemblies 136, 146.

In order to implement the deck plate resume function, the controller 120actives the pump 304 and commands the valve 308 into the first position308 a, which operates to pressurize line 314 and direct fluid into theblock 300 through port 322 a. The head directional valve 410 ismaintained in the third position 410 c and the valve 490 is maintainedin the second position 410 b such that fluid in the first primary line400 flows into and through line 484. The fluid flows through valve 490and through check valve 492. Due to the orifice restriction 496 on line484, fluid from line 484 initially flows from line 484 into line 500 andthen line 502 in order to direct fluid into the extension-sides of thelock actuators 200, 210, thereby operating lock the lock assemblies 136,146, described above. Fluid flows out of the retraction-sides of thelock actuators 200, 210; through lines 358, 360; through ports 324 g,324 e; through lines 464, 466; through valve 470 (opened via pressure onpilot line 472); through line 460; through valve 410; through lines 403,402; out of block 300 via port 322 b; through line 316; and into element312 via port 318 b to be directed to drain 306 via valve 308 and line311. Upon extending the lock actuators 200, 210, the fluid flows throughthe orifice restriction 496 on line 484 to port 324 j and line 363 intothe extension-side of the left deck plate actuator 180, thereby movingthe left wing deck plate rod 134 toward the center deck plate rod 154.The fluid from the extension-side of the left deck plate actuator 180may flow from line 362, through port 324 i; through line 460; throughvalve 410; through lines 403, 402; out of block 300 via port 322 b;through line 316; and into element 312 via port 318 b to be directed todrain 306 via valve 308 and line 311.

A sensor (e.g., sensor 124) may monitor the left deck plate actuator 180(or corresponding parameter) to determine when the left wing deck platerod 134 reaches a position corresponding to the current operational deckplate spacing value. Upon reaching this position, the controller 120repositions the vehicle directional valve 308 in order to terminateadjustment of the left deck plate actuator 180 and to initiateadjustment of the right deck plate actuator 190. In particular, thecontroller 120 activates the pump 304 and commands the valve 308 intothe second position 308 b, which operates to pressurize line 316 anddirect fluidly into the block 300 through port 322 b. The headdirectional valve 410 is maintained in the third position 410 c and thevalve 490 is maintained in the second position 409 b. Fluid in thesecond primary line 402 flows into and through line 540. The fluid flowsthrough check valve 542, orifice restriction 546 and out of port 324 lthrough line 365 to the extension-side of the right deck plate actuator190, thereby moving the right wing deck plate rod 144 towards the centerdeck plate rod 154.

A sensor (e.g., sensor 124) may monitor the right deck plate actuator190 (or a corresponding parameter) to determine when the right wing deckplate rod 144 reaches a position corresponding to the currentoperational deck plate spacing value. Upon reaching this position, thecontroller 120 terminates the resume function and repositions thevehicle directional valve 308 into the third (or default) position 308c.

During or prior to an agricultural operation in the unfolded state,regardless of whether or not a fold and/or an unfold process has beencompleted, an operator may desire to modify or adjust the spacings ofthe deck plates 170 (FIG. 4) in order to modify or improve performanceof the agricultural operation by moving the deck plate actuators 180,190 in a common direction.

In one example, the spacings may be increased by extending the left deckplate actuator 180 and retracting the right deck plate actuator 190. Inorder to direct fluid into the extension-side of the left deck plateactuator 180 and into the retraction-side of the right deck plateactuator 190, the controller 120 actives the pump 304 and commands thevalve 308 into the first position 308 a, which operates to pressurizeline 314 and direct fluidly into the block 300 through port 322 a. Thehead directional valve 410 is maintained in the third position 410 c andthe valve 490 is maintained in the second position 409 b such that fluidin the first primary line 400 flows into and through line 484. The fluidflows through valve 490, check valve 492, orifice restriction 496 andout of port 324 j through line 363 to the extension-side of the leftdeck plate actuator 180. Extension of the deck plate actuator 180operates to push fluid out of the retraction-side of the left deck plateactuator 180 into port 324 i, through line 462, and through port 324 kthrough line 364 into the retraction-side of the right deck plateactuator 190. Retraction of the deck plate actuator 190 operates to pushfluid out of the extension-side of the right deck plate actuator 190into port 324 l, through line 540 (including through valve 542 that hasbeen opened by pilot pressure in line 544), through line 402, out ofport 322 b, through line 316, through element 312, and through line 311to the drain 306.

In one example, the spacings may be decreased by retracting the leftdeck plate actuator 180 and extending the right deck plate actuator 190.In order to direct fluid into the extension-side of the right deck plateactuator 190 and into the extension-side of the left deck plate actuator180, the controller 120 actives the pump 304 and commands the valve 308into the second position 308 b, which operates to pressurize line 316and direct fluidly into the block 300 through port 322 b. The headdirectional valve 410 is maintained in the third position 410 c and thevalve 490 is maintained in the second position 409 b. Fluid in thesecond primary line 402 flows into and through line 540. The fluid flowsthrough check valve 542, orifice restriction 546 and out of port 324 lthrough line 365 to the extension-side of the right deck plate actuator190. Extension of the right deck plate actuator 190 operates to pushfluid out of the retraction-side of the right deck plate actuator 190into port 324 k, through line 462, and through port 324 i through line362 into the retraction-side of the left deck plate actuator 180.Retraction of the left deck plate actuator 180 operates to push fluidout of the extension-side of the left deck plate actuator 180 into port324 j, through line 484 (including through valve 492 that has beenopened by pilot pressure in line 494), through line 400, out of port 322a, through line 314, through element 312, and through line 311 to thedrain 306.

During typical operation of the agricultural machine 100 during anagricultural event, the wing segments 130, 140 are maintained in anunfolded position in which the fold actuators 220, 230 are extended, andfurther, the lock actuators 200, 210 and the deck plate actuators 180,190 are both extended in order to lock the wing segments 130, 140 to thecenter segment 150 and to couple the wing deck plate rods 134, 144 tothe center deck plate rod 154, respectively. During this state, thevalve 410 is in the third position 410 c, the valve 456 is in the secondposition 456 b, the valve 490 is in the second position 490 b, and thevalve 308 is in the third position 308 c.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a corn head adjustment system 1106 thatbe implemented into the agricultural machine 100 of FIG. 1 according toa further embodiment. Unless other noted, the corn head adjustmentsystem 1106 may be similar to the corn head adjustment system 106discussed above. Generally, the corn head adjustment system 1106performs the functions described above, albeit with more hydraulic-basedcomponents. Such a modification may enable a broader or more genericcontrol scheme.

As above, the corn head adjustment system 1106 includes vehiclehydraulics 1114 and head hydraulics 1240 that operate the actuators1180, 1190, 1200, 1210, 1220, 1230. In this example, a portion of thehead hydraulics 1240 is embodied within a corn head valve block 1300that may be mounted on a center segment of the corn head.

As shown, the vehicle hydraulics 1114 may include a pump 1304, drain orsource 1306, and a vehicle directional valve 1308 fluidly coupled tosupply and drain lines 1310, 1311. The vehicle directional valve 1308may be solenoid valve with positions 1308 a, 1308 b, 1308 c. A combinehead coupling mechanism 1312 couples the vehicle hydraulics 1114 to thehead hydraulics 1240 via lines 1314, 1316 to ports 1318 a, 1318 b.

In one example, the valve block 1300 includes a body 1320 with the twoprimary ports 1322 a, 1322 b and a number of actuator ports 1324 a-1324l. As above, the actuators includes a left wing fold actuator 1220 andright wing fold actuator 1230, each with a cylinder 1222, 1232 and a rod1224, 1234. The fold actuators 1220, 1230 are coupled to ports 1324a-1324 d via lines 1354-1357, on which “velocity fuse” valve 1226, 1236may be provided.

The actuators further include a left wing lock actuator 1200 and a rightwing lock actuator 1210, each with a cylinder 1202, 1212 and a rod 1204,1214. The lock actuators 1200, 1210 are coupled to ports 1324 e-1324 hvia lines 1358-1361.

The actuators further includes a left deck plate actuator 1180 and theright deck plate actuator 1190, each with a cylinder 1182, 1182 and arod 1184, 1194. The deck plate actuators 1180, 1190 are coupled to ports1324 i-1324 l via lines 1362-1365.

Returning to block 1300, in this example, first primary lines 1400, 1401and second primary lines 1402, 1403 extend between primary ports 1322 a,1322 b to a head directional valve 1410, which has three positions 1410a, 1410 b, 1410 c controlled by signals from a controller.

A shuttle valve 1420 is fluidly coupled to the head directional valve1410 via lines 1422, 1424, respectively attached to opposite ends of theshuttle valve 1420. A first counterbalance valve 1430 is fluidly coupledto the head directional valve 1410 via line 1422, and a secondcounterbalance valve 1432 is fluidly coupled to the head directionalvalve 1410 via line 1422. In one example, the first counterbalance valve1430 may be actuated by a pilot line 1434 extending to line 1424, andthe second counterbalance valve 1432 may be actuated by a pilot line1436 extending to line 1422 in order to selectively restrict the flow offluid from the fold actuators 1220, 1230, as discussed above.

A distribution element 1440 is fluidly coupled to the firstcounterbalance valve 1430 via line 1442 and operates to split the flowfrom (and combine the flow to, as appropriate) the first counterbalancevalve 1430, and thus, line 1422. As shown, the distribution element 1440divides the flow from line 1422 between line 1444, which is fluidlycoupled to port 1324 a, and line 1446, which is fluidly coupled to port1324 c. As such, and as discussed in greater detail below, lines 1444,1446 supply fluid flow to, or receive flow from, the retraction-side offold actuator 1220, 1230. Returning again to the flow path of line 1424,a line 1450 extends from the second counterbalance valve 1432 andextends to port 1324 b, which in turn is fluidly coupled to theextension-side of the left wing fold actuator 1220. A line 1452 branchesfrom line 1450 and is selectively fluidly coupled to port 1324 d via anisolation valve 1456.

Returning to shuttle valve 1420, a line 1460 extends from the centerport of the shuttle valve 1420 and is fluidly coupled to port 1324 iand, via line 1462, to port 1324 k. As such, flow from the shuttle valve1420 may be directed through lines 1460, 1462, 1362, 1364 and ports 1324i, 1324 k to the retraction-sides of the deck plate actuators 1180,1190.

In addition to fluidly connecting the deck plate actuators 1180, 1190 tothe pressure paths controlling the fold actuators 1220, 1230, pressurefrom line 1460 may also be used to retract the lock actuators 1200, 1210via lines 1464, 1466, 1354, 1356 and ports 1324 e, 1324 g. A check valve1470 may be positioned on line 1464 to selectively check or prevent flowfrom the retraction-side of the lock actuators 1200, 1210 to line 1460based on the pressure in pilot line 1472, discussed in greater detailbelow.

As such, and as discussed in greater detail below, fluid pressure intoport 1322 a may be used to retract all six actuators 1180, 1190, 1200,1210, 1220, 1230 when the head directional valve 1410 is in the firstposition 1410 a, and fluid pressure into port 1322 a may be used toextend the fold actuators 1220, 1230 and retract the lock and deck plateactuator 1180, 1190, 1200, 1210 when the head directional valve 410 isin the second position 1410 b, similar to the fold and unfold processesdiscussed above.

The valve block 1300 may also include a number of flow paths thatinteract directly with the primary lines 1400, 1401, 1402, 1403 that areintroduced briefly here and the functions to which will be discussed ingreater detail below. Returning briefly to the first primary lines 1400,1401, a line 1480 extends from the first pressure line 1400 to thesecond primary line 1402 with a check valve 1482 on line 1480 to preventthe flow of fluid from port 1322 a through line 1400 to line 1402.Additionally, line 1484 extends from primary line 1400 to port 1324 j,thereby enabling selective extension of the left deck plate actuator1180. A check valve 1492 is also positioned on line 1484 to enable flowthrough line 1484 to port 1324 j while selectively blocking flow in theopposite direction based on a pilot line 1494. A restriction orifice1496 is also positioned on line 1484 to prioritize distribution of flowthrough line 1484 to port 1324 j relative to other flow paths. A line1500 extends from line 1484 and with lines 1501, 1502 fluidly couplesline 1484 to ports 324 f, 324 h and the extension-sides of lockactuators 1220, 1230.

Referring to line 1402, a line 1510 extends from line 1402 and a checkvalve 1512 is positioned on line 1402. Line 1520 extends from line 1510to line 1500, which as discussed above is fluidly coupled to ports 1324f, 1324 h. A check valve 1522 is positioned on line 1520. Line 1530 alsoextends from line 1510 to line 1540, which in turn is fluidly coupled toport 1324 l, and thus, the extension-side of the right deck plateactuator 1190. A check valve 1532 is arranged on line 1530. Line 1540extends from line 1402 to port 1324 l. A check valve 1542 and an orificerestriction 546 are also positioned on line 1540.

Generally, the fold, unfold, lock, unlock, and resume processes andfunctions are implemented as detailed above with respect to system 1106.However, system 1124 has a modified a force relief arrangement 1550.

In this example, the force relief arrangement 1550 includes a pilotassisted solenoid flow mechanism (or valve) 1552 fluidly coupled to thefirst pressure line 1401, and a pressure relief valve 1554 coupled tothe mechanism 1552 via lines 1556, 1558 to the second primary line 1403.

The pilot assisted solenoid flow mechanism 1552 has three positions,including a first position 1552a to fluidly couple line 1556 to line1555, a second position 1552 b to fluidly couple line 1556 to line 1558,and closed or default position 1552 c. A blocker valve 1559 ispositioned on line 1558 and a blocker valve 1557 is positioned on line1556. The blocker valve 1557 is actuated by pilot line 1566 coupled toshuttle valve 1560, which in turn is coupled in between lines 1444, 1446by pilot lines 1562, 1564; and the blocker valve 1559 is actuated bypilot line 1567 coupled to shuttle valve 1570, which in turn is coupledin between lines 1450, 1452 by pilot lines 1572, 1574.

As such, when line 1422 is pressurized, the directional valve 1552 isplaced into position 1552a to connect line 1401 to line 1558, albeitselectively blocked by valve 1559. Upon pressurizing pilot line 1567 atshuttle valve 1570, the valve 1559 is opened in order to implement theforce relief arrangement 1550. When line 1424 is pressurized, thedirectional valve 1552 is placed into position 1552 b to connect line1401 to line 1556, albeit selectively blocked by valve 1557. Uponpressurizing pilot line 1566 at shuttle valve 1560, the valve 1557 isopened in order to implement the force relief arrangement 1550.

In other words, when activated, the force relief arrangement 1550functions to “vent” line 1401 into line 1403. The result of reducedpressure in line 1401 is to reduce the pressure through head directionalvalve 1410, and thus to the downstream actuators 1180, 1190, 1200, 1210,1220, 1230, particularly the fold actuators 1220, 1230. In effect, theforce relief arrangement 1550 may be actuated at the end portion (e.g.,the last 33%, 25%, 10%, or any suitable selected value) of the fold orunfold process depending on the pressure setting.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the corn head adjustment system 2106 ofthe agricultural machine of FIG. 1 according to a further embodiment.Generally, the corn head adjustment system 2106 performs the functionsdescribed above, albeit with more “cartridge” components in which atleast partial solenoid valves 2398, 2410, 2456, 2490, 2552 are used toselectively distribute pressure to the various actuators 2180, 2190,2220, 2210, 2220, 2230.

As above, the corn head adjustment system 2106 includes vehiclehydraulics 2114 and head hydraulics 2240 that operate the actuators2180, 2190, 2200, 2210, 2220, 2230. In this example, a portion of thehead hydraulics 2240 is embodied within a corn head valve block 2300that may be mounted on a center segment of the corn head.

As shown, the vehicle hydraulics 2114 may include a pump 2304, drain orsource 2306, and a vehicle directional valve 2308 fluidly coupled tosupply and drain lines 2310, 2311. The vehicle directional valve 2308may be solenoid valve with positions 2308 a, 2308 b, 2308 c. A combinehead coupling mechanism 2312 couples the vehicle hydraulics 2114 to thehead hydraulics 2240 via lines 2314, 2316 to ports 2318 a, 2318 b.

In one example, the valve block 2300 includes a body 2320 with the twoprimary ports 2322 a, 2322 b and a number of actuator ports 2324 a-2324i. As above, the actuators include a left wing fold actuator 2220 andright wing fold actuator 2230, each with a cylinder 2222, 2232 and a rod2224, 2234. The fold actuators 2220, 2230 are coupled to ports 2324a-2324 d via lines 2354-2357, on which “velocity fuse” valve 2226, 2236may be provided. The actuators further include a left wing lock actuator2200 and a right wing lock actuator 2210, each with a cylinder 2202,2212 and a rod 2204, 2214. The lock actuators 2200, 2210 are coupled toports 2324 e, 2324 f via lines 2358-2361. The actuators further includea left wing deck plate actuator 2180 and the right wing deck plateactuator 2190, each with a cylinder 2182, 2182 and a rod 2184, 2194. Thedeck plate actuators 2180, 2190 are coupled to ports 2324 g, 2324 h,2324 i via lines 2362-2365.

Returning to block 2300, in this example, first primary lines 2400, 2401and second primary lines 2402, 2403 extend between primary ports 2322 a,2322 b to a head directional valve 2410, which has three positions 2410a, 2410 b, 2410 c controlled by signals from a controller.

A first counterbalance valve 2430 is fluidly coupled to the headdirectional valve 2410 via line 2422, and a second counterbalance valve2432 is fluidly coupled to the head directional valve 2410 via line2422. In one example, the first counterbalance valve 2430 may beactuated by a pilot line 2434 extending to line 2424, and the secondcounterbalance valve 2432 may be actuated by a pilot line 2436 extendingto line 2422 in order to selectively restrict the flow of fluid from thefold actuators 2220, 2230, as discussed above.

Downstream of valve 2430, a line 2460 extends to ports 2324 e and lines2358, 2360 to the retract lock actuators 2200, 2210 when line 2422 ispressurized and to receive fluid when lock actuators 2200, 2210 areextended.

A distribution element 2440 is fluidly coupled to the firstcounterbalance valve 2430 via line 2442 and operates to split the flowfrom (and combine the flow to, as appropriate) the first counterbalancevalve 2430, and thus, line 2422. As shown, the distribution element 2440divides the flow from line 2422 between line 2444, which is fluidlycoupled to port 2324 a, and line 2446, which is fluidly coupled to port2324 c. As such, and as discussed in greater detail below, lines 2444,2446 supply fluid flow to, or receive flow from, the retraction-side offold actuator 2220, 2230. Valves 2425, 2427 are positioned on lines2421, 2423 to selectively direct fluid from lines 2444, 2446 to line2403.

Returning to line 2424, a line 2463 extends from line 2424 downstream ofthe counterbalance valve 2432 and extends to port 2324 f and lines 2359,2361 to extend actuators 2200, 2210 when line 2422 is pressurized and toreceive fluid when the lock actuators 2200, 2210 are retracted. Ablocker valve 2467 positioned on line 2463 to selectively block line2463. The blocker valve 2467 is connected by a pilot line 2469 to ashuttle valve 2420 positioned in between lines 2444, 2446 such thatblocker valve 2467 is open when lines 2444, 2446 are not pressurized andclosed when lines 2444, 2446 are pressurized, e.g., to block line 2463when the lock actuators 2200, 2210 are being retracted.

Returning to head directional valve 2410, line 2461 extends from thehead directional valve 2410 to port 2324 g to lines 2362, 2364 in orderto retract the deck plate actuators 2180, 2190 when line 2461 ispressurized.

Further, line 2348 extends from line 2400 to port 2324 h and line 2363to the extension-side of deck plate actuator 2180. Returning to lines2402, 2403, line 2540 extends from line 2402 to port 2324 i to line 2365to the extension-side of the deck plate actuator 2190. Check valves2492, 2542, actuated by pilot lines 2494, 2544, and restriction orifices2485, 2546 are positioned on lines 2484, 2540. A blocker valve 2490spans the lines 2484, 2540. Line 2510 extends from line 2403 and splitsinto lines 2520, 2530 that respectively extend to lines 2484, 2540, anda check valve 2522, 2532 is positioned on each line 2520, 2530.

As such, in order to fold the wing segments (e.g., wing segments 130,140), directional valve 2308 is placed in a first position 2308a topressurize lines 2400, 2401 and directional valve 2410 is placed in thefirst position 2410 a to direct fluid to the retraction-sides of thefold actuators 2220, 2230. Additionally, in this state, line 2460 ispressurized to the retraction-sides of lock actuators 2200, 2210.Further, in this state, the valve 2410 directs a portion of the fluidfrom line 2401 into line 2461 to the retraction-sides of the deck plateactuators 2180, 2190. As a result, a single command and pressure sourceoperates to retract all six actuators 2180, 2190, 2200, 2210, 2220,2230.

In order to unfold the wing segments (e.g., wing segments 130, 140),directional valve 2308 is placed in a first position 2308 a topressurize lines 2400, 2401 and directional valve 2410 is placed in thesecond position 2410 b to direct fluid to the extension-sides of thefold actuators 2220, 2230. Additionally, in this state, at times, line2463 is pressurized to the extension-sides of lock actuators 2200, 2210.Further, in this state, the valve 2410 directs a portion of the fluidfrom line 2401 into line 2461 to the retraction-sides of the deck plateactuators 2180, 2190.

Additionally, the deck plate actuators 2180, 2190 may implement a resumefunction and/or an adjustment function by placing the head directionalvalve 2410 in the default position 2410 c toggling the directional valve2308 between the first position 2308 a and the second position 2308 b.The system 2124 also has a force relief arrangement 2550 that operatesin a similar manner to force relief arrangement 550 discussed above.

Although not shown, operation of the corn head adjustment systemdiscussed above may also be expressed as a method performing theoperational steps in accordance with the present disclosure. As can beappreciated in light of the disclosure, the order of operation is notlimited to a sequential execution described above, but may be performedin one or more varying orders as applicable and in accordance with thepresent disclosure. Further one or more operational steps may be omittedand/or additional steps added.

Also, the following examples are provided, which are numbered for easierreference.

1. A corn head configured to be mounted on an agricultural machine;comprising: a first wing segment including a first wing segment frame; afirst deck plate rod mounted to the first wing segment frame; and afirst series of deck plates, at least a portion of which arerepositionable upon lateral movement of first deck plate rod; a centersegment arranged proximate to the first wing segment, the center segmentincluding a center frame; a center deck plate rod mounted to the centerframe; and a second series of deck plates, at least a portion of whichare repositionable upon lateral movement of center deck plate rod; and acorn head adjustment system including: a first fold actuator extendingbetween the first wing segment frame and the center frame; a first deckplate actuator mounted on at least one of the first wing segment frameor the center frame and configured to reposition at least one of thefirst deck plate rod or the center deck plate rod; and corn headhydraulics fluidly coupled to receive a fluid from a source and todirect the fluid to selectively actuate the first fold actuator in orderto fold the first wing segment relative to the center segment, toselectively actuate the first fold actuator in order to unfold the firstwing segment relative to the center segment, to selectively actuate thefirst deck plate actuator in order to decouple the first deck plate rodfrom the center deck plate rod, and to selectively actuate the firstdeck plate actuator in order to couple the first deck plate rod to thecenter deck plate rod, wherein, during a fold process, the corn headhydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator in order tofold the first wing segment relative to the center segment and toactuate the first deck plate actuator in order to decouple the firstdeck plate rod from the center deck plate rod, and wherein, during anunfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate thefirst fold actuator in order to unfold the first wing segment relativeto the center segment.

2. The corn head of example 1, further comprising a second wing segmentincluding a second wing segment frame; a second deck plate rod mountedto the second wing segment frame; and a third series of deck plates, atleast a portion of which are repositionable upon lateral movement ofsecond deck plate rod; wherein the corn head adjustment system furtherincludes: a second fold actuator extending between the second wingsegment frame and the center frame; a second deck plate actuator mountedon at least one of the second wing segment or the center segment andconfigured to reposition the second deck plate rod or the center deckplate rod; and wherein the corn head hydraulics is further fluidlycoupled to selectively direct the fluid to the second fold actuator andthe second deck plate actuator, wherein, during the fold process, thecorn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the second fold actuatorin order to fold the second wing segment relative to the center segmentand to actuate the second deck plate actuator in order to decouple thesecond deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod, and wherein,during the unfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured toactuate the second fold actuator in order to unfold the second wingsegment relative to the center segment.

3. The corn head of example 2, wherein, during the fold process, thecorn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first deck plateactuator in order to decouple the first deck plate rod from the centerdeck plate rod prior to actuating the first fold actuator in order tofold the first wing segment relative to the center segment, and furtherconfigured to actuate the second deck plate actuator in order todecouple the second deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod priorto actuating the second fold actuator in order to fold the second wingsegment relative to the center segment.

4. The corn head of example 2, wherein the corn head adjustment systemfurther includes: a first lock assembly with a first portion mounted onthe first wing segment and a second portion mounted on the centersegment, the first lock assembly further including a first lock actuatormounted on the first wing segment or the center segment with a lockedposition that prevents relative movement of the first portion of thefirst lock assembly and the second portion of a first lock assembly,thereby preventing relative movement of the first wing segment and thecenter segment, and an unlocked position that enables relative movementof the first portion of the first lock assembly and the second portionof the first lock assembly, thereby enabling relative movement of thefirst wing segment and the center segment; and a second lock assemblywith a first portion mounted on the second wing segment and a secondportion mounted on the center segment; the second lock assemblyincluding a second lock actuator mounted on the second wing segment orthe center segment with a locked position that prevents relativemovement of the first portion of the second lock assembly and the secondportion of the second lock assembly, thereby preventing relativemovement of the second wing segment and the center segment, and anunlocked position that enables relative movement of the first portion ofthe second lock assembly and the second portion of the second lockassembly, thereby enabling relative movement of the second wing segmentand the center segment.

5. The corn head of example 4, wherein the corn head hydraulics isfurther fluidly coupled to the first and second lock actuators suchthat, during the fold process, the first and second lock actuators aremoved from the locked positions into the unlocked positions prior toactuating the first and second fold actuators in order to fold the firstand second wing segments relative to the center segment.

6. The corn head of example 5, wherein upon completion of the unfoldprocess, the corn head hydraulics are configured to actuate the firstand second lock actuators from the unlocked positions to the lockedpositions.

7. The corn head of example 2, wherein, during the unfold process, thecorn head hydraulics is configured to initially maintain the position ofthe first and second deck plate actuators.

8. The corn head of example 7, wherein, upon completion of the unfoldprocess, the corn head hydraulics is configured to reposition the firstand second deck plate actuators according to position valuescorresponding to a previous unfolded state.

9. The corn head of example 2, wherein the corn head hydraulicscomprises a single inlet configured to receive the fluid from the sourcein order to actuate the first and second fold actuators and the firstand second deck plate actuators.

10. The corn head of example 9, wherein the first and second foldactuators are dual-acting, actively controlled cylinder and pistonarrangements.

11. The corn head of example 10, wherein the first and second deck platecylinders are dual-acting, actively controlled cylinder and pistonarrangements.

12. A corn head adjustment system for a corn head with a first wingsegment and a center segment arranged proximate to the first wingsegment; the first wing segment including a first wing segment frame, afirst deck plate rod mounted to the first wing segment frame, and afirst series of deck plates, at least a portion of which arerepositionable upon lateral movement of first deck plate rod; and thecenter segment including a center frame, a center deck plate rod mountedto the center frame, and a second series of deck plates, at least aportion of which are repositionable upon lateral movement of center deckplate rod, the corn head adjustment system comprising: a first foldactuator extending between the first wing segment frame and the centerframe; a first deck plate actuator mounted on at least one of the firstwing segment frame or the center frame and configured to reposition atleast one of the first deck plate rod or the center deck plate rod; andcorn head hydraulics fluidly coupled to receive a fluid from a sourceand to direct the fluid to selectively actuate the first fold actuatorin order to fold the first wing segment relative to the center segment,to selectively actuate the first fold actuator in order to unfold thefirst wing segment relative to the center segment, to selectivelyactuate the first deck plate actuator in order to decouple the firstdeck plate rod from the center deck plate rod, and to selectivelyactuate the first deck plate actuator in order to couple the first deckplate rod to the center deck plate rod, wherein, during a fold process,the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first foldactuator in order to fold the first wing segment relative to the centersegment and to actuate the first deck plate actuator in order todecouple the first deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod, andwherein, during an unfold process, the corn head hydraulics isconfigured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to unfold thefirst wing segment relative to the center segment.

13. The corn head adjustment system of example 12, further comprising asecond wing segment including a second wing segment frame; a second deckplate rod mounted to the second wing segment frame; and a third seriesof deck plates, at least a portion of which are repositionable uponlateral movement of second deck plate rod; wherein the corn headadjustment system further includes: a second fold actuator extendingbetween the second wing segment frame and the center frame; a seconddeck plate actuator mounted on at least one of the second wing segmentor the center segment and configured to reposition the second deck platerod or the center deck plate rod; and wherein the corn head hydraulicsis further fluidly coupled to selectively direct the fluid to the secondfold actuator and the second deck plate actuator, wherein, during thefold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate thesecond fold actuator in order to fold the second wing segment relativeto the center segment and to actuate the second deck plate actuator inorder to decouple the second deck plate rod from the center deck platerod, and wherein, during the unfold process, the corn head hydraulics isconfigured to actuate the second fold actuator in order to unfold thesecond wing segment relative to the center segment.

14. The corn head adjustment system of example 13, wherein, during thefold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate thefirst deck plate actuator in order to decouple the first deck plate rodfrom the center deck plate rod prior to actuating the first foldactuator in order to fold the first wing segment relative to the centersegment, and further configured to actuate the second deck plateactuator in order to decouple the second deck plate rod from the centerdeck plate rod prior to actuating the second fold actuator in order tofold the second wing segment relative to the center segment.

15. The corn head adjustment system of example 13, wherein the corn headadjustment system further includes: a first lock assembly with a firstportion mounted on the first wing segment and a second portion mountedon the center segment, the first lock assembly further including a firstlock actuator mounted on the first wing segment or the center segmentwith a locked position that prevents relative movement of the firstportion of the first lock assembly and the second portion of a firstlock assembly, thereby preventing relative movement of the first wingsegment and the center segment, and an unlocked position that enablesrelative movement of the first portion of the first lock assembly andthe second portion of the first lock assembly, thereby enabling relativemovement of the first wing segment and the center segment; and a secondlock assembly with a first portion mounted on the second wing segmentand a second portion mounted on the center segment; the second lockassembly including a second lock actuator mounted on the second wingsegment or the center segment with a locked position that preventsrelative movement of the first portion of the second lock assembly andthe second portion of the second lock assembly, thereby preventingrelative movement of the second wing segment and the center segment, andan unlocked position that enables relative movement of the first portionof the second lock assembly and the second portion of the second lockassembly, thereby enabling relative movement of the second wing segmentand the center segment.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, certain aspects of thedisclosed subject matter can be embodied as a method, system (e.g., awork machine control system included in a work machine), or computerprogram product. Accordingly, certain embodiments can be implementedentirely as hardware, entirely as software (including firmware, residentsoftware, micro-code, etc.) or as a combination of software and hardware(and other) aspects. Furthermore, certain embodiments can take the formof a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium havingcomputer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of thedisclosed subject matter can be described in terms of methods, systems(e.g., control or display systems deployed onboard or otherwise utilizedin conjunction with work machines), and computer program products. Withrespect to computer program products, in particular, embodiments of thedisclosure may consist of or include tangible, non-transitory storagemedia storing computer-readable instructions or code for performing oneor more of the functions described throughout this document. As will bereadily apparent, such computer-readable storage media can be realizedutilizing any currently-known or later-developed memory type, includingvarious types of random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM).Further, embodiments of the present disclosure are open or “agnostic” tothe particular memory technology employed, noting that magnetic storagesolutions (hard disk drive), solid state storage solutions (flashmemory), optimal storage solutions, and other storage solutions can allpotentially contain computer-readable instructions for carrying-out thefunctions described herein. Similarly, the systems or devices describedherein may also contain memory storing computer-readable instructions(e.g., as any combination of firmware or other software executing on anoperating system) that, when executed by a processor or processingsystem, instruct the system or device to perform one or more functionsdescribed herein. When locally executed, such computer-readableinstructions or code may be copied or distributed to the memory of agiven computing system or device in various different manners, such asby transmission over a communications network including the Internet.Generally, then, embodiments of the present disclosure should not belimited to any particular set of hardware or memory structure, or to theparticular manner in which computer-readable instructions are stored,unless otherwise expressly specified herein.

A computer readable signal medium can include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal can takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium can be non-transitory and can be anycomputer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage mediumand that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use byor in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice.

As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists withelements that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and thatare also preceded by the phrase “one or more of” or “at least one of”indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially includeindividual elements of the list, or any combination thereof. Forexample, “at least one of A, B, and C” or “one or more of A, B, and C”indicates the possibilities of only A, only B, only C, or anycombination of two or more of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A andC; or A, B, and C). Also, the use of “one or more of” or “at least oneof” in the claims for certain elements does not imply other elements aresingular nor has any other effect on the other claim elements.

As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software,firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/orprocessor device, individually or in any combination, including withoutlimitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), anelectronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memorythat executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinationallogic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide thedescribed functionality. The term module may be synonymous with unit,component, subsystem, sub-controller, circuitry, routine, element,structure, control section, and the like.

As used herein, the controller may be considered to be organized as oneor more functional units or modules (e.g., software, hardware, orcombinations thereof), as well as one or more types of data storage. Asan example, each of the modules and data storage may be implemented withprocessing architecture such as a processor and memory. For example, thecontroller may implement the modules and data storage with the processorbased on programs or instructions stored in memory.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in termsof functional and/or logical block components and various processingsteps. It should be appreciated that such block components may berealized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware componentsconfigured to perform the specified functions. For example, anembodiment of the present disclosure may employ various integratedcircuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processingelements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carryout a variety of functions under the control of one or moremicroprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure maybe practiced in conjunction with any number of work vehicles.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signalprocessing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functionalaspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of thesystems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, theconnecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein areintended to represent example functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between the various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Aspects of certain embodiments are described herein can be describedwith reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams ofmethods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according toembodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block ofany such flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinationsof blocks in such flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can beimplemented by computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions can be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

These computer program instructions can also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Any flowchart and block diagrams in the figures, or similar discussionabove, can illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation ofpossible implementations of systems, methods and computer programproducts according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Inthis regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can representa module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or moreexecutable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block (or otherwisedescribed herein) can occur out of the order noted in the figures. Forexample, two blocks shown in succession (or two operations described insuccession) can, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or theblocks (or operations) can sometimes be executed in the reverse order,depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted thateach block of any block diagram and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in any block diagrams and/or flowchartillustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. Explicitly referenced embodiments herein were chosen anddescribed in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure andtheir practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill inthe art to understand the disclosure and recognize many alternatives,modifications, and variations on the described example(s). Accordingly,various embodiments and implementations other than those explicitlydescribed are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A corn head configured to be mounted on anagricultural machine; comprising: a first wing segment including a firstwing segment frame; a first deck plate rod mounted to the first wingsegment frame; and a first series of deck plates, at least a portion ofwhich are repositionable upon lateral movement of first deck plate rod;a center segment arranged proximate to the first wing segment, thecenter segment including a center frame; a center deck plate rod mountedto the center frame; and a second series of deck plates, at least aportion of which are repositionable upon lateral movement of center deckplate rod; and a corn head adjustment system including: a first foldactuator extending between the first wing segment frame and the centerframe; a first deck plate actuator mounted on at least one of the firstwing segment frame or the center frame and configured to reposition atleast one of the first deck plate rod or the center deck plate rod; andcorn head hydraulics fluidly coupled to receive a fluid from a sourceand to direct the fluid to selectively actuate the first fold actuatorin order to fold the first wing segment relative to the center segment,to selectively actuate the first fold actuator in order to unfold thefirst wing segment relative to the center segment, to selectivelyactuate the first deck plate actuator in order to decouple the firstdeck plate rod from the center deck plate rod, and to selectivelyactuate the first deck plate actuator in order to couple the first deckplate rod to the center deck plate rod, wherein, during a fold process,the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first foldactuator in order to fold the first wing segment relative to the centersegment and to actuate the first deck plate actuator in order todecouple the first deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod, andwherein, during an unfold process, the corn head hydraulics isconfigured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to unfold thefirst wing segment relative to the center segment.
 2. The corn head ofclaim 1, further comprising a second wing segment including a secondwing segment frame; a second deck plate rod mounted to the second wingsegment frame; and a third series of deck plates, at least a portion ofwhich are repositionable upon lateral movement of second deck plate rod;wherein the corn head adjustment system further includes: a second foldactuator extending between the second wing segment frame and the centerframe; a second deck plate actuator mounted on at least one of thesecond wing segment or the center segment and configured to repositionthe second deck plate rod or the center deck plate rod; and wherein thecorn head hydraulics is further fluidly coupled to selectively directthe fluid to the second fold actuator and the second deck plateactuator, wherein, during the fold process, the corn head hydraulics isconfigured to actuate the second fold actuator in order to fold thesecond wing segment relative to the center segment and to actuate thesecond deck plate actuator in order to decouple the second deck platerod from the center deck plate rod, and wherein, during the unfoldprocess, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the secondfold actuator in order to unfold the second wing segment relative to thecenter segment.
 3. The corn head of claim 2, wherein, during the foldprocess, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the firstdeck plate actuator in order to decouple the first deck plate rod fromthe center deck plate rod prior to actuating the first fold actuator inorder to fold the first wing segment relative to the center segment, andfurther configured to actuate the second deck plate actuator in order todecouple the second deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod priorto actuating the second fold actuator in order to fold the second wingsegment relative to the center segment.
 4. The corn head of claim 2,wherein the corn head adjustment system further includes: a first lockassembly with a first portion mounted on the first wing segment and asecond portion mounted on the center segment, the first lock assemblyfurther including a first lock actuator mounted on the first wingsegment or the center segment with a locked position that preventsrelative movement of the first portion of the first lock assembly andthe second portion of a first lock assembly, thereby preventing relativemovement of the first wing segment and the center segment, and anunlocked position that enables relative movement of the first portion ofthe first lock assembly and the second portion of the first lockassembly, thereby enabling relative movement of the first wing segmentand the center segment; and a second lock assembly with a first portionmounted on the second wing segment and a second portion mounted on thecenter segment; the second lock assembly including a second lockactuator mounted on the second wing segment or the center segment with alocked position that prevents relative movement of the first portion ofthe second lock assembly and the second portion of the second lockassembly, thereby preventing relative movement of the second wingsegment and the center segment, and an unlocked position that enablesrelative movement of the first portion of the second lock assembly andthe second portion of the second lock assembly, thereby enablingrelative movement of the second wing segment and the center segment. 5.The corn head of claim 4, wherein the corn head hydraulics is furtherfluidly coupled to the first and second lock actuators such that, duringthe fold process, the first and second lock actuators are moved from thelocked positions into the unlocked positions prior to actuating thefirst and second fold actuators in order to fold the first and secondwing segments relative to the center segment.
 6. The corn head of claim5, wherein upon completion of the unfold process, the corn headhydraulics are configured to actuate the first and second lock actuatorsfrom the unlocked positions to the locked positions.
 7. The corn head ofclaim 2, wherein, during the unfold process, the corn head hydraulics isconfigured to initially maintain the position of the first and seconddeck plate actuators.
 8. The corn head of claim 7, wherein, uponcompletion of the unfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configuredto reposition the first and second deck plate actuators according toposition values corresponding to a previous unfolded state.
 9. The cornhead of claim 2, wherein the corn head hydraulics comprises a singleinlet configured to receive the fluid from the source in order toactuate the first and second fold actuators and the first and seconddeck plate actuators.
 10. The corn head of claim 9, wherein the firstand second fold actuators are dual-acting, actively controlled cylinderand piston arrangements.
 11. The corn head of claim 10, wherein thefirst and second deck plate cylinders are dual-acting, activelycontrolled cylinder and piston arrangements.
 12. A corn head adjustmentsystem for a corn head with a first wing segment and a center segmentarranged proximate to the first wing segment; the first wing segmentincluding a first wing segment frame, a first deck plate rod mounted tothe first wing segment frame, and a first series of deck plates, atleast a portion of which are repositionable upon lateral movement offirst deck plate rod; and the center segment including a center frame, acenter deck plate rod mounted to the center frame, and a second seriesof deck plates, at least a portion of which are repositionable uponlateral movement of center deck plate rod, the corn head adjustmentsystem comprising: a first fold actuator extending between the firstwing segment frame and the center frame; a first deck plate actuatormounted on at least one of the first wing segment frame or the centerframe and configured to reposition at least one of the first deck platerod or the center deck plate rod; and corn head hydraulics fluidlycoupled to receive a fluid from a source and to direct the fluid toselectively actuate the first fold actuator in order to fold the firstwing segment relative to the center segment, to selectively actuate thefirst fold actuator in order to unfold the first wing segment relativeto the center segment, to selectively actuate the first deck plateactuator in order to decouple the first deck plate rod from the centerdeck plate rod, and to selectively actuate the first deck plate actuatorin order to couple the first deck plate rod to the center deck platerod, wherein, during a fold process, the corn head hydraulics isconfigured to actuate the first fold actuator in order to fold the firstwing segment relative to the center segment and to actuate the firstdeck plate actuator in order to decouple the first deck plate rod fromthe center deck plate rod, and wherein, during an unfold process, thecorn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first fold actuator inorder to unfold the first wing segment relative to the center segment.13. The corn head adjustment system of claim 12, further comprising asecond wing segment including a second wing segment frame; a second deckplate rod mounted to the second wing segment frame; and a third seriesof deck plates, at least a portion of which are repositionable uponlateral movement of second deck plate rod; wherein the corn headadjustment system further includes: a second fold actuator extendingbetween the second wing segment frame and the center frame; a seconddeck plate actuator mounted on at least one of the second wing segmentor the center segment and configured to reposition the second deck platerod or the center deck plate rod; and wherein the corn head hydraulicsis further fluidly coupled to selectively direct the fluid to the secondfold actuator and the second deck plate actuator, wherein, during thefold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to actuate thesecond fold actuator in order to fold the second wing segment relativeto the center segment and to actuate the second deck plate actuator inorder to decouple the second deck plate rod from the center deck platerod, and wherein, during the unfold process, the corn head hydraulics isconfigured to actuate the second fold actuator in order to unfold thesecond wing segment relative to the center segment.
 14. The corn headadjustment system of claim 13, wherein, during the fold process, thecorn head hydraulics is configured to actuate the first deck plateactuator in order to decouple the first deck plate rod from the centerdeck plate rod prior to actuating the first fold actuator in order tofold the first wing segment relative to the center segment, and furtherconfigured to actuate the second deck plate actuator in order todecouple the second deck plate rod from the center deck plate rod priorto actuating the second fold actuator in order to fold the second wingsegment relative to the center segment.
 15. The corn head adjustmentsystem of claim 13, wherein the corn head adjustment system furtherincludes: a first lock assembly with a first portion mounted on thefirst wing segment and a second portion mounted on the center segment,the first lock assembly further including a first lock actuator mountedon the first wing segment or the center segment with a locked positionthat prevents relative movement of the first portion of the first lockassembly and the second portion of a first lock assembly, therebypreventing relative movement of the first wing segment and the centersegment, and an unlocked position that enables relative movement of thefirst portion of the first lock assembly and the second portion of thefirst lock assembly, thereby enabling relative movement of the firstwing segment and the center segment; and a second lock assembly with afirst portion mounted on the second wing segment and a second portionmounted on the center segment; the second lock assembly including asecond lock actuator mounted on the second wing segment or the centersegment with a locked position that prevents relative movement of thefirst portion of the second lock assembly and the second portion of thesecond lock assembly, thereby preventing relative movement of the secondwing segment and the center segment, and an unlocked position thatenables relative movement of the first portion of the second lockassembly and the second portion of the second lock assembly, therebyenabling relative movement of the second wing segment and the centersegment.
 16. The corn head adjustment system of claim 15, wherein thecorn head hydraulics is further fluidly coupled to the first and secondlock actuators such that, during the fold process, the first and secondlock actuators are moved from the locked positions into the unlockedpositions prior to actuating the first and second fold actuators inorder to fold the first and second wing segments relative to the centersegment.
 17. The corn head adjustment system of claim 16, wherein uponcompletion of the unfold process, the corn head hydraulics areconfigured to actuate the first and second lock actuators from theunlocked positions to the locked positions.
 18. The corn head adjustmentsystem of claim 13, wherein, during the unfold process, the corn headhydraulics is configured to initially maintain the position of the firstand second deck plate actuators, and wherein, upon completion of theunfold process, the corn head hydraulics is configured to reposition thefirst and second deck plate actuators according to position valuescorresponding to a previous unfolded state.
 19. The corn head adjustmentsystem of claim 13, wherein the corn head hydraulics comprises a singleinlet configured to receive the fluid from the source in order toactuate the first and second fold actuators and the first and seconddeck plate actuators.
 20. The corn head adjustment system of claim 13,wherein the first and second fold actuators are dual-acting, activelycontrolled cylinder and piston arrangements.